Dayton adds fourth member to 2018 recruiting class

Michigan's Ibi Watson, right, drives in the lane on Marquette's Traci Carter during the 2K Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 17, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)(Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Watson, a graduate of Pickerington Central who attended Athens High School for his first two years, appeared in 45 games over the last two seasons with Michigan, receiving limited minutes each season. He averaged 2.2 points and 0.8 rebounds in 5.2 minutes per game last season. He scored two points in one minute in the national championship game loss to Villanova.

Watson will have to sit out the 2018-19 season. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining after that.

“First and foremost, you’re adding a veteran to your roster,” Dayton coach Anthony Grant said. “Ibi’s had two years at Michigan and obviously the success they’ve enjoyed — the two Sweet 16s and national championship game appearance — that experience for him, being able to be a part of that on a daily basis, I think he adds a level of experience to our roster, not only when he becomes eligible but during this time that he gets to be a redshirt and continue to work on his personal development. I think it’ll be a great addition to our team for some of our younger guys to have a veteran like that on your roster.”

“During my time at the University Michigan I have learned and experienced so much,” he wrote on Twitter. “I enjoyed the relationships and memories that I made. Thank you to the coaching staff and my teammates for making my experience so great! After much thought, I have decided to explore other options.”

Watson was a three-star recruit in the class of 2016. He ranked 208th in the class, according to 247Sports.com. He made the All-Ohio first team as a senior in 2016.

Watson joins Dwayne Cohill, Jhery Matos and Frankie Policelli in Dayton’s 2018 class. The Flyers still have three scholarships open.